A look inside the Order of the Arrow’s top-secret “Mysterium Compass”

The Order of the Arrow’s attraction at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree is so secret that we were only given a very limited tour. To keep the mystery and intrigue, half of the content of the “Mysterium Compass” show is shrouded in secrecy and only open to Jamboree participants under the age of 18.

Up to 108 Scouts over 20 daily sessions get to participate in the augmented reality game. Organizers describe it as “a live-action adventure combining elements of video gaming with theme park-style immersion, actors, and theatrical settings.”

But it isn’t just some interactive play. “Mysterium Compass” is all about teaching boys to make the right decisions in life, even when faced with challenges along the way.

There are six stages to the adventure. Like we said, we can’t show you stages one, two, or three because we weren’t allowed inside. But stage four is the giant obstacle course shown below. It’s meant to symbolize life’s obstacles and challenge the guys to find a way up, over, and around them.

The final photo below and the picture above both depict stage five. That’s when all of the pieces come together for the Scouts, and the celebration begins. The celebration continues with a thrilling exclamation point as stage six sends everyone back outside to splash down a 40-foot waterside.

Browse by Category

Browse by Month

Now on Scoutingmagazine.org

Scouting magazine

Follow Scouting magazine

About

Bryan on Scouting is the official blog of Scouting magazine, a Boy Scouts of America publication. Scouting magazine is published five times a year and is received by 1 million registered adult volunteers.